There are students who leave ESU because they get an opportunity at their first college choice, there are those who leave because they want to be closer to home and then there are those who do not do well academically.”

Dr. Weber says, “Students first is not just a catch phrase.”

ESU faculty genuinely care about their students and go above and beyond to interact with students. The most important aspect of college retention is the individuality of the students.

What can students do to help their peers and improve ESU’s college retention? The simple answer would be to get connected.

Dr. Weber adds, “There is the real message of retention that you as the students are just as important as anybody in administration in faculty to help retain students.”

College retention is not just about the statistics, but about it is about the students getting involved, making connection and truly creating that college experience.

Although the Freshman Retention Rates could be better, there is hope for ESU students. Dr. Weber and the other faculty reach out to students.

They try to build connections to with student so they can continue their academic career at ESU, but college retention is not about the numbers, but the students who make the numbers.